Join us for our beloved annual Thangka painting retreat with renowned Thangka Painter and Buddhist scholar, Andy Weber. 

Tara is the most revered Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism. This course will focus on the Female Buddha. Born from a tear of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, Green Tara grants protection and relief from suffering. Called “the mother of all Buddhas”, she promises assistance when called upon and is seen as the embodiment of active compassion. Her right hand bestows fearlessness while her left hand (in the gesture of supreme enlightenment) holds the Utpala flower representing her knowledge of the three times. The open flower reveals the past, the closed the future and the just opening the present. With devotion to her and doing her practice, both inner and outer obstacles can be overcome. She can be practiced on all different levels of tantra. Students will receive hands-on instruction from the drawing to the painting stages. Saying the mantra of Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha and meditating on her light has the power to heal the body and mind. Daily meditation and mantra session will make this course very unique and deepen your understanding of Tibetan Buddhism.

Art Supplies

All students will need to purchase and bring their own art supplies. Detailed lists of the requirements will be sent to all those who register. Please budget ~$150 – $300 (depending on the quality of supplies purchased) for anyone who needs to buy all supplies from scratch.

Retreat Schedule

Friday, April 17

• 4:00pm – 5:45pm Check in (overnight guests only)
• 5:45pm – 6:00pm Welcome talk in Dining room (overnight guests only)
• 6:00pm – 7:00pm Dinner 
• 7:30pm – 9:00pm Introductory Talk

Saturday, 18 – Monday 20

• 8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast
• 9:00am – 12:30pm: Teaching Session 1
• 12:30pm – 2:30pm Lunch
• 2:30pm – 6:00pm: Teaching Session 2
• 6:00pm – 7:00pm Dinner
• 7:00pm – 9:00pm Teaching Session 3

Tuesday, 21

• 8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast
• 9:00am – 10:00am: Guided Mediation
• 11:00am – 12:30pm: Teaching Session
• 12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch (End of Retreat)

Scholarships

If cost is a barrier, please let us know. We have scholarships and service-study options available.  Please fill out this form to apply for financial support.

Lodging and Meals

​​During the retreat, we provide various lodging options to accommodate different preferences. We have a variety of lodging available to make your stay comfortable. 

We will do our best to cater for additional requirements outside of this, please contact Diane at [email protected] to communicate your specific requirements, as much notice as possible is greatly appreciated.

Room Options

Single Room: Ideal for those who need privacy, each room has an ensuite bathroom. Please note Single rooms are limited and book out quickly.

Shared Double Room: This can be booked by a couple, two friends, or by individuals happy to share with someone else. Rooms will be allocated by gender if you are booking as an individual in a shared room. Ideal for those who like to have a bit more privacy, but have the convenience of being close to everything at the main campus. Each double room has an ensuite bathroom. You would be sharing this room with one other person. The price is per person

Shared Room: This can be booked by families, groups of friends or individuals. Rooms will be allocated by gender if you are booking as an individual in a shared room. If you prefer a more communal setting, we have shared dormitories available. These dormitories provide a cost-effective option for participants who enjoy the camaraderie and interaction with fellow retreat attendees. Each dorm has an ensuite bathroom. The price indicated is per person. 

Yurt Village: Experience the charm of traditional yurts, offering a unique and cozy atmosphere. These circular dwellings provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for rest and relaxation. There are two bathrooms available to use at the Yurt Village – these bathrooms are shared with the other retreatants staying in the Yurt Village.

Please note the Yurt Village is a Walk-In and Walk-Out site. Your belongings will be shuttled out to the site at check-in and picked up again at check-out. You will only be able to walk to and from the Yurt Village to the Gompa and Dining Room each day. Please note that it’s approximately a 20-minute walk to the Yurt Village from the Lower Campus.

Tent Platforms: For those who enjoy a closer connection with nature, we offer tent platforms where you can set up your own tent. Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings. Please note we have two Platforms at the Wishfulfilling Temple and 1 platform in the Yurt Village.

Commuters

Please note lunch and dinner are included in your program costs. Breakfast is not included. 

How to Get Here

Access to LMB is via a small, winding road (Prescott Road) which we share with numerous neighbors. As you are driving to our property please turn on your headlights, go slowly, and be prepared to pull over to the side when you meet oncoming traffic.

Closest Airports

The nearest airports to LMB are San Francisco (~1.5 hours away) and San Jose (~1 hour away). To reach LMB from either of these airports you can use a rideshare app (Uber, Lyft etc), or a shuttle service (Early Bird Airport Shuttle Service). Expect to pay $100 – $150 from San Francisco, or $60 – 80 from San Jose using a rideshare app. LMB is unable to offer assistance in helping you get to or from the center. Please make your own arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

Overnight Guests

If you cancel more than 2 weeks in advance a full refund will be offered. If you cancel up to two weeks prior to the retreat starting a 50% refund will be offered. If you cancel up to 1 week prior to the retreat starting no refund will be offered.

Commuters

If you cancel 1 week prior to the retreat starting a 50% refund will be offered.